Travelling from Portsmouth to Roscoff - Get more from your money
France is home to cultural events and tourist attractions that visitors flock to from all around the world. A country known for delicious food, fashion and art, with a great climate, France makes for a convenient destination, especially for travel from Plymouth. If you’re considering driving to France, here are the most important things to know before you go.
Preparing for a car trip to France
If you’re driving across to France from the UK, you won’t need an international driving permit, as your own (valid) UK driving licence will suffice. You’ll also need your V5 certificate, proof of car insurance, and a valid passport for identification. If you’re driving your own UK registered car, then you’ll also need to fit your car with a UK sticker.
All passengers must wear seat belts, and your car must be equipped with a warning triangle and enough reflective vests for all passengers.
You must comply with local driving laws, such as using dipped headlights at night, and driving with a blood alcohol limit below 50mg per 100ml of blood. This is 0.25 mg alcohol per liter of breath.
What’s the speed limit?
- 50 km/h in built-up areas
- 80 km/h outside of built-up areas on a road without a central reservation (for cars, and cars with trailers up to 3.5 tonnes)
- 90 km/h outside of built-up areas
- outside built-up areas you can drive at a speed of up to 90 km/h,
- 130 km/h for vehicles on highways, or 110 km/h in adverse weather conditions
To avoid any hefty fines, do still check the regulations of local authorities in case of discrepancies.
Travelling from Plymouth to Roscoff
Travelling from Plymouth to Roscoff can be economical if you plan your transport and other costs well. As it’s just around the corner, it’s also a very convenient route. Brittany Ferries is the main operator and offers routes to Roscoff starting at £50-£60 per person one-way for advance trips. If you choose overnight ferries, you can save on accommodation by booking a cabin on the ferry (they start at around £30-£40 for a bed in a shared cabin).
Alternative options
If you have access to a car, you can travel with Le Shuttle (previously the Eurotunnel) from £31 per vehicle. Alternatively, you could fly, though this would also require booking transfers and become less economical. Travelling by car also provides greater flexibility in terms of luggage.
Accommodation
When deciding on a trip to France, consider whether renting a room in a traditional hotel is definitely the best idea. Campsites and resorts offer an alternative experience immersed in nature. Eurocamp’s parcs in France are home to many attractions such as swimming pools, bars, restaurants, children’s activities and play areas, as well as activities like horseback riding and archery. Furthermore, prices are per unit rather than per room, making their accommodation super-affordable. These resorts are a great option if you’re looking for family fun, affordability, comfort, and a unique experience.
Why visit France?
France attracts tourists from all over the world thanks to its diversity, culture, cuisine and history. Located in Western Europe, it borders eight countries and has an extensive coastline. The country is famous for its excellent cuisine - croissants, baguettes, cheeses (e.g. camembert, roquefort) and dishes such as ratatouille or foie gras. The French are famous for celebrating small pleasures - long meals, coffee in cafes or walks in the parks. Small, atmospheric towns offer an authentic atmosphere and plenty of peace. Each region of France has something unique to offer, and the variety of experiences - from culinary to cultural - makes it the perfect place for any trip.
France offers something for everyone - from history and culture, through cuisine and beautiful landscapes. It’s well worth visiting to experience diversity and a unique atmosphere.
